200 drivers benefit from FRSC free eye test in Akwa Ibom

Uyo, Aug. 25, 2018 (NAN)

No fewer than 200 drivers operating from “Itam Motor park’’ have benefited from the free eye test organised by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC),  Akwa Ibom Command.

The exercise was organised by the FRSC in collaboration with the Nigeria Optometrists Association (NOA).

Mr Sunday Oghenekaro, the state sector commander said at the close of the exercise in Itam motor park on Saturday that the gesture was to ensure that drivers had clear vision while on the road.

He said that the importance of vision on road safety motivated the command to partner with the eye doctors in the state to organise the free eye screening.

The sector commander said that since drivers were always on the road and would not have time to attend to their health needs, the FRSC brought the exercise down to their work place.

He appealed to drivers to check their eyes regularly as part of measures to ensure safety on the roads.

“We implore road users, especially drivers to continually check their health condition by visiting the hospitals.

“We also advise that routine eye checks will go a long way in enhancing performance while driving.

“Clear vision helps drivers to make quick decisions while driving. The collaboration with Nigeria Optometrists Association is to assist drivers to ensure good eye sight,’’ Oghenekaro said.

He said that FRSC would continue to organise enlightenment exercises for drivers because such enlightenment was crucial to road safety and crash-free driving.

Speaking to NAN, the National Vice President, NOA, Dr Afe Dania said that the exercise was part of their Corporate Social Responsibility to ensure safety on the roads.

He said that drivers played very important roles in Nigeria’s development through their services, adding that for drivers to perform optimally, they needed clear vision to get to their destinations.

Dania told NAN that some of the drivers diagnosed with poor sight would be referred for comprehensive examination, while use of eye glasses would be recommended to others where necessary.

He commended FRSC for the collaboration to continue to provide safety on the roads.

Also speaking to NAN, one of the beneficiaries, Mr Obo Edodi, said that he was happy to benefit from the free eye screening.

Edodi, who said that he had been commuting between Akwa Ibom and Ogoja for seven years, noted that the free eye check had reduced the financial burden of going to the hospital.

“I am very impressed by their services, they have taken away from me the stress of going to the hospital to check my eye.

“I urge other drivers to make good use of this opportunity as it does not come often,’’ he said.